Even Autumn fall-season Grinches can’t entirely ignore the happiness that brisk morning walks with crunchy leaves bring after a long, sweltering summer. There’s just something about the fresh air that makes everyone a little more cheerful. 

You know what else brings festive fall cheer? Free or low cost things to do with your family near home.

We’ve rounded up something enjoyable for everyone, but more than likely, you’ll want to try two or three, so plan early to scoop up the best seats or buy the fancy marshmallows before they’re gone. 

On-Base Fall Fun

You can’t go wrong by checking your local military base when looking for free, inexpensive, and convenient fall entertainment. There are dozens of programs to choose from.

Big names like the USO and MWR offer unique ways to enjoy the autumn season; you just have to do a little planning. 

Attend a Commissary or Exchange Event

Many bases get into the spirit by offering families costume contests, trick-or-treating, and live events with prizes to kick off the season. 

Try a Family-Friendly Fun Run 

Call it a Turkey Trot or a Pumpkin Spice Run; they’re all basically the same—an easy way to enjoy crisp mornings and don a funny costume or T-shirt.

If you add the promise of a donut run for apple fritters post-race, you just might convince the whole family to enter. 

Visit the Base Library

Librarians love the holidays because they can tap into their creative side to design one-of-a-kind programming for kids of all ages.

Stop in to see collections of fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving books and take-home projects.

Or visit online to sign up for festive events like themed game nights and character-led storytimes. 

Revisit MWR

When is the last time you’ve checked out your local MWR? If it’s been a while, you’re probably missing out.

In addition to standard play time, like indoor swimming and archery classes, on some bases, you can reserve campground spots, recreation vehicles, cabins, and a host of outdoor equipment like boats and ski equipment. 

Also tucked into MWR, you’ll find entertainment, travel, and outdoor recreation events and, of course, Leisure Travel Services, a.k.a, discount tickets to local attractions in addition to big-time destinations like Mickey Mouse’s kingdoms across the globe.

Explore Hiking Trails 

One of the best things about fall is the chance to leaf peep and soak in the scenery from the gold, yellow, orange, and red tree tops.

Many military bases are expansive and often have marked trails, making them ideal to explore on a whim when the weather is perfect.

Or, pre-plan the day and dress up the family for the ever-illusive holiday card picture. 

Off-Base Autumn Activities 

If you’re not plugged into your local community’s event schedule, fall is the best time to research every Oktoberfest, Trunk or Treat, and themed outdoor festival in your area.

There will be plenty to choose from. 

Use local online resources like regional magazines, newspapers, and Facebook groups to start planning your favorite activities.

You can also check out Patch.com, Nextdoor, and Eventbrite to search for the best things to do.

If you need more inspiration, don’t forget about these go-to destinations in your area. 

• U-pick orchards and pumpkin patches 
• Local library
• Parks and Recreation Department 
• Arts and crafts businesses, like painting pottery or canvas classes 
• Drive-in movies 
• Ghost tours

Cozy At-Home Events 

Sometimes, fall activities are best spent at home. The cozy, comfy atmosphere of candles burning, cider brewing, and movie-marathon-watching are just too good to leave the house. 

Bake a Cobbler

Apple cobbler is probably your first thought (especially if you spent a fortune at a U-pick orchard), but you can use other fruit for the filling.

If your baking skills aren’t expert-level, don’t worry; a simple, “easy apple cobbler” search yields thousands of results.

Bonus—you can freeze portions to serve guests over the holidays. 

Plan a Soup or Chili Swap

After baked goods, soup is the quintessential fall food, with chili in third place. Wouldn’t it be fun to swap a batch or two with close friends who share your love for the season?

Plan a merry Sunday afternoon to share recipes and exchange pre-packaged soup or chili.

Don’t forget the accompaniments like crackers, cheese, and maybe even a baked potato bar. 

Prepare a Hot Cider or Hot Chocolate Bar

The fall hot beverage crowd is divided; most people are either team cider or cocoa. But during the magical autumn season, you don’t have to choose.

Build a hot beverage bar with all the fixings: multiple cider flavors, cinnamon sticks, seasonal spices, flavored syrups, marshmallows, and candy stirrers. Your imagination is the only limit. 

Watch a Fall Movie Marathon 

No one will judge what movies you consider fall-ish. 

Just choose the films that put you in the nesting mood. From It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, to Hocus Pocus and back-to-back-fall-themed Hallmark movies, it’s all fair game.

Day Camp

It’s a big commitment to plan a camping excursion out in the wild, especially during a time of year when the weather is unpredictable.

So, if you have a free weekend, pitch a tent, light the fire pit, play board games, and roast S’mores in your backyard.

If you’re really into the mood, plan an outdoor projector movie event after the sun goes down. 

Plan a Virtual Leaf Peep Party

Ok, so, some military locations aren’t exactly fall-friendly, which can be hard to adjust to. One of the best ways to bring the fall home is to log on to any number of online leaf peep cams.

Try the National Park Service or any state park known for fall foliage, like New York, Vermont, or New Hampshire.

Add snacks from the above ideas or combine leaf peeping with your favorite football team’s halftime, and you’re bound to feel at least a little more joyful. 

If the warm fall temps have gotten you down, these activities will boost your autumn enthusiasm in a hurry.

Most are inexpensive or free and can be thrown together at the last minute, but if you want to spend more time and money, there’s lots of room for creativity and excess. 

Just add candy corn and pumpkins, and your activity will be complete! 

*From MilitaryByOwner Advertising, Inc.

*Check out the MBO M:M Expert Author Page!